Invisalign is a popular form of orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign treatment, your teeth can be straightened while still being concealed. Your dentist fits your mouth with a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gently reposition your teeth over several months. As the aligners gradually shift your teeth into place, you will notice your smile transforming. It is important to remember that Invisalign requires constant monitoring and maintenance and that not all patients respond positively to the treatment. If you've had this treatment option done, the last thing you want to think about is how to clean your clear aligners. Did you know that wearing clear aligners can have a negative impact on your teeth? Clear aligners can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath—you must do everything to keep your aligner trays clean! You need to know how to clean them properly so that you don't risk damaging your teeth or having your treatment go awry. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to cleaning the aligners, it's important to know the best practices and avoid the common mistakes that can mess up your aligners. Our guide to cleaning your clear aligners will get you started in the right direction. Why Should You Clean Your Clear Aligners? If you're considering getting Invisalign or already have them, you should know how to clean your clear aligners properly. While Invisalign is much less visible than metal braces, you must wear them for at least 22 hours daily. Keeping them clean is important so they don't become stained or discolored. Additionally, if you don't clean your aligners regularly, you may start to notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Here are a few reasons why you should clean your clear aligners: -To Prevent Tooth Decay And Gum Disease: When you don't clean your aligners, bacteria and plaque can build up on the trays and cause oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, the food particles trapped between your teeth and the trays can lead to an infection. So it's important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and clean your aligners, too! -To Prevent Bad Breath: Nobody wants bad breath. It's important to clean your clear aligners because if you don't, bacteria can build up on them and cause an unpleasant smell. In addition, if you don't clean your aligners, they can also become stained and discolored. -To Prolong The Life Of Your Aligners: If your aligners are not clean, they will be less effective at straightening your teeth. Cleaning them regularly will help prolong their life and prevent bacteria build-up, damage, and yellowing. How To Properly Clean Your Aligners Cleaning your Invisalign aligners may seem like an extra step in your already busy routine, but keeping them looking their best is worth it. Plus, it will help you avoid unwanted surprises when heading to your next orthodontist appointment! It's important to keep your clear aligners clean, not just for hygiene purposes but also to ensure that they continue to work correctly. There are a few different ways to clean your aligners, so it's important to learn the proper cleaning technique. The most important thing is to use a gentle cleanser that won't damage the material. You can find specially formulated Invisalign cleaners at most drugstores. Once you've chosen the right cleaner, it's time to start cleaning! Here are some simple steps you need to follow while cleaning your clear aligners: -Rinse your aligners with cool/lukewarm water before brushing them. This will prevent any bacteria build-up and help remove any food or beverage residue on the aligners. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the shape of your aligners. -Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive cleaners to brush your aligners. You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or toothpaste, as they can damage the aligners. Instead, opt for a mild soap or cleanser designed explicitly for Invisalign. The toothbrush should be soft enough not to damage the aligners but firm enough to remove stubborn grime. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as food and bacteria can build up in these areas. -Rinse your aligners well with cool/lukewarm water after brushing, and dry them before putting them back in your mouth. Any remaining residue or debris can lead to staining of the plastic material. -Soak your aligners in an approved aligners cleaning solution for at least 15 minutes once every 3 to 5 days. This will help keep them free of bacteria and other organisms that can cause bad breath and other problems. The solution should be designed specifically for clear aligners and not contain any abrasives that could scratch the surface. -Store your aligners in a clean, dry place when you're not wearing them. Allow your aligners to air dry before putting them back in their case. Storing them while they're still wet could lead to mold growth and material deterioration. Cleaners You Can Use To Clean Invisalign One of the most important things to remember when cleaning your Invisalign is to use a gentle cleaner. This is because harsh cleaners can damage the aligners and cause them to break. If you prefer soap and water, mix a small amount of gentle soap with warm water. However, some of the best cleaners solutions to use when cleaning your Invisalign include: -Baking Soda And Water (mix 1 T-spoon sods with half a cup of water) -Cleaning Crystal (Cleaning Product By Invisalign) And Water -Soap And Water (Add a small amount of liquid soap to lukewarm water) -Sterialigner (Cleaning Product By Invisalign) -Vinegar And Water (Mix one part white vinegar with three parts lukewarm water) Cleaners You Should Avoid When Clean Invisalign If you're like most people, you want your Invisalign to look as good as new for as long as possible. And while plenty of cleaners on the market claim to be able to do just that, it's important to remember that not all cleaners are created equal. That's why we wanted to remind you of some of the cleaners you should avoid while cleaning your Invisalign. These cleaners leave behind residue that can irritate your gums and tongue. Using these cleaners can damage your aligners and lead to discoloration. These Include: -Alcohol-based cleaners (can be used if it's in small amounts) -Alcohol-based mouthwash -Acidic solutions -Bleach -Dishwashing detergent -Scented cleaners or those with added dyes -Toothpaste How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign? Like most people, you probably brush your teeth at least twice daily. You may even floss and use mouthwash daily. But how often do you clean your Invisalign? If you're not sure, you're not alone. Many people don't realize that it's just as important to clean their Invisalign as it is to clean their teeth. So how often should you clean your Invisalign? The short answer is: as often as possible. Ideally, you should be cleaning your Invisalign after every meal and snack. However, we know that's not always possible (especially if you're eating on the go). So, at a minimum, you should clean your Invisalign at least once daily. Although you'll replace your aligners every two weeks, you should still clean them regularly. If you don't, you're constantly exposing your teeth to built-up bacteria, which can further lead to many oral health problems. FAQs -Why do my aligners smell? Many wearers complain that their aligners begin to smell bad throughout the day. The reason why that is happening is that the dry saliva and plaque that builds up create the perfect home for bacteria, causing this foul smell. To avoid this, simply brush the clear aligners every time you take them out. -How often should I clean my clear aligners? These clear aligners should be cleaned twice daily, typically at the same time that you brush your teeth. We also encourage you to rinse your aligners under lukewarm water every time you take them out to minimize bacteria build-up. Avoid running them under hot water, as extreme temperatures can warp the plastic. -Can I soak my Invisalign in mouthwash? Though mouthwash is an excellent oral cleaning aid, it may not be a great option for clear aligners. Colored mouthwash tends to stain the aligners, so it is not recommended to use it for cleaning them.